Mitchell Robinson was set to have his first big moment as a Boston Celtic on Tuesday. The former New York Knicks champion was going to address the media alongside Paul George, Mike Conley, head coach Joe Mazzulla and President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens. But the 28-year-old wasn’t there, leaving reporters and fans scratching their heads. Stevens addressed the big man’s absence up front before any speculation could arise.
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“[Robinson] unfortunately had to leave this morning… to attend to a personal matter,” Stevens said. The Celtics later confirmed that he’d be formally introduced at a later date. Robinson had already joined workouts and informal sessions with his new teammates in recent weeks. Despite his absence today, though, Robinson provided a glimpse into his painful personal situation.
The veteran posted on Facebook, asking for prayers for his younger brother. “Prayers for my little brother ✝️ my dawg can’t catch a break 🫤.”
It was in response to Rosa Lee Fulford’s post that said, “Prayers for zeek early this morning while out for a jog my gr son was hit by a car amd transported to a tramnr unit🙏.”
Celtics beat writer Bobby Krivitsky also confirmed the news. Bystanders and locals quickly filled the comments section with love and prayers for Robinson’s family. No public medical update on Zeek’s condition has been released yet. What just happened to Zeek, however, carries a painful connection for Robinson.
Earlier this year, Robinson’s family dealt with another serious car accident involving his younger brother. The NBA star said he learned of the crash while returning from Cleveland after the Eastern Conference Finals. Around the same time, before the Finals, Robinson also suffered a hand injury and underwent surgery. He was pictured training with heavy padding around his palm.
Although he didn’t miss any game time and the Knicks went on to win the Larry O’Brien title, Robinson still revealed how he got injured after a couple of weeks.
“I received an unexpected phone call, and my family members contacted me, informing me that my youngest brother had been involved in a car accident,” Robinson wrote. “I did not see the messages until I arrived home late that night. As the eldest sibling, I felt a deep sense of concern, and I immediately went into panic mode.
“I began returning calls and texts, and when I FaceTimed my brother, I thought he was deceased. He was wearing a neck brace, unresponsive, and not speaking. I broke down in tears, feeling like a failure for not being able to protect my siblings. Being 910 miles away, I felt helpless. In a moment of frustration, I banged my hand on my truck.”
Robinson’s words showed how deeply his family situation affected him during an already demanding postseason. After winning the championship, Robinson was preparing for a fresh start in Boston after eight seasons with New York. He agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million contract with the Celtics this summer.
James Dolan, owner of the Knicks, had already said they wouldn’t be “su-cidal” and breach the second apron earlier this offseason. That salary-cap decision left the Knicks with little flexibility to retain Robinson.
Robinson arrived in Beantown and is expected to provide rim protection, rebounding and a physical presence in Joe Mazzulla’s frontcourt. Neemias Queta will compete for the same spot. Earlier this month, Robinson said he was confident in his abilities and excited for his new stint.
“I went to the gym… working out with my coach in Boston. You know what he said? He didn’t know that I had the s–t that I showed tonight,” Robinson said on his Snapchat. “The ball handling, the shooting, the touch. Right now, I’m just so confident in myself. I don’t worry about what no one said.”
Robinson said it was “going to be a great year” for him, and so did head coach Joe Mazzulla, who welcomed the championship “wisdom and experience” Robinson brought to the newly revamped team after Jaylen Brown’s major departure.
Brown peaked as an offensive force last season, averaging a career high in points and assists. His usage rate (36.2) ranked second in the league. His partner in crime, Jayson Tatum, played only 16 games, yet Boston still finished with the second-best offensive rating. It goes to show how big a season Brown had.
New entrant Paul George’s reliable shooting should help bridge that gap somewhat, while Mazzula will need to find the best way to use Payton Pritchard and the resources he has left.
For now, though, basketball can wait… Robinson’s introduction to Boston will take place another day. The Celtics have not announced a new date for his introductory press conference because his immediate focus is on his family, and his brother’s condition remains the top priority after the latest accident.